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Victoriano Ponce

1,475

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

As a Mexican student that lives in East Los Angeles, I strive to be the best student, community member, family member, and more. During the pandemic, I was well aware of the social-economic differences for attaining an appropriate education. Many of my fellow neighbors lacked bandwidth, laptops, private meeting spaces, supplies, and many things that would enable and close learning gaps to help them succeed during these challenging times. I also noticed that people who attended college and had a degree, did not lack these resources; this is who I strive to be. I want to attend University to continue working on my academic and professional growth, become someone who makes positive changes, and come back to East Los Angeles to inspire others. I want to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering so that I can be part of design and research of low fuel emission vehicles that will help us live in our current communities, living in a less polluted community.

Education

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Bachelor's degree program
2018 - 2022
  • Majors:
    • Mechanical Engineering
  • Minors:
    • Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
    • Industrial Engineering
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Automotive

    • Dream career goals:

      Designer

    • Present

    Sports

    Swimming

    Varsity
    2018 – Present6 years

    Awards

    • MVP

    Water Polo

    Varsity
    2018 – Present6 years

    Awards

    • All League Award, Most Dedicated Player Award

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Para Los Ninos Charter Elementary — Supplement any work needed, small group or anything the teacher needed
      2019 – Present

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Learner Statistics Scholarship
    I am interested in studying Mechanical Engineering with a focus in the automobile industry. Air pollution from gas powered cars is a huge problem, especially in bigger cities. I want to be part of a research and design team for the automotive industry where I can use my mechanical engineering degree to help the greater good. The amount of greenhouse emission is reaching high levels, making it difficult to live in. I want to lead design and research teams that are going to solve these kinds of issues. Leadership, without doubt, is a significantly important function of management. I am passionate about leadership because it takes confidence, determination, and courage. Being a leader gives you the ability to influence a group towards the realization of a goal. I want to be a leader that makes positive impacts in this world. I currently have lots of leadership skills and will continue growing these skills in my college career.
    First-Year College Students: Jennie Gilbert Daigre Education Scholarship
    I want to attend University to work on my academic and professional growth, become someone who makes positive changes, and come back to East Los Angeles to inspire others. I deserve this scholarship because I work hard, but need financial help to pursue my academic goals. I attended Para Los Niño’s Charter Elementary School as a kindergartner and first-grader. This school is in the midst of an extremely dangerous community named Skid-Row. I always knew that I wanted to come back and volunteer in any way I could. The students at this school come from low-socioeconomic backgrounds with families that do their best to provide for their children. I have volunteered through zoom, with a 4th-grade class at Para Los Niños. This was an opportunity for me to give back to a community that was the foundation of my educational journey. Many people might see everything that I have been through as a challenge, but I see it as a blessing in disguise that has helped me prepare for University. I am interested in studying Mechanical Engineering with a focus in the automobile industry. Air pollution from gas powered cars is a huge problem, especially in bigger cities. I want to be part of a research and design team for the automotive industry where I can use my mechanical engineering degree to help the greater good. The amount of greenhouse emission is reaching high levels, making it difficult to live in. I want to lead design and research teams that are going to solve these kinds of issues. Leadership, without doubt, is a significantly important function of management. I am passionate about leadership because it takes confidence, determination, and courage. Being a leader gives you the ability to influence a group towards the realization of a goal. I want to be a leader that makes positive impacts in this world. I currently have lots of leadership skills and will continue growing these skills in my college career.
    Engineers of the Future Scholarship
    I am interested in studying Mechanical Engineering with a focus in the automobile industry. Air pollution from gas powered cars is a huge problem, especially in bigger cities. I want to be part of a research and design team for the automotive industry where I can use my mechanical engineering degree to help the greater good. The amount of greenhouse emission is reaching high levels, making it difficult to live in. I want to lead design and research teams that are going to solve these kinds of issues. Leadership, without doubt, is a significantly important function of management. I am passionate about leadership because it takes confidence, determination, and courage. Being a leader gives you the ability to influence a group towards the realization of a goal. I want to be a leader that makes positive impacts in this world. I currently have lots of leadership skills and will continue growing these skills in my college career.
    #Back2SchoolBold Scholarship
    Have you ever worn a t-shirt with the best quote or words? Wearing a catchy t-shirt with an interesting phrase, quote or word will definitely catch the attention of your peers. This will become a great conversation starter, especially if you are new to a school, or are a person who wants to make new friends. It's also a great way to start conversations amongst your own friend group. I find this tip great with teachers too! I have worn catchy t-shirts on the first day of school and teachers will ask me questions, laugh or talk about it in class.
    Kenyada Me'Chon Thomas Legacy Scholarship
    I want to attend University to work on my academic and professional growth, become someone who makes positive changes, and come back to East Los Angeles to inspire others. I deserve this scholarship because I work hard, but need financial help to pursue my academic goals. I attended Para Los Niño’s Charter Elementary School as a kindergartner and first-grader. This school is in the midst of an extremely dangerous community named Skid-Row. I always knew that I wanted to come back and volunteer in any way I could. The students at this school come from low-socioeconomic backgrounds with families that do their best to provide for their children. I have volunteered through zoom, with a 4th-grade class at Para Los Niños. This was an opportunity for me to give back to a community that was the foundation of my educational journey. Many people might see everything that I have been through as a challenge, but I see it as a blessing in disguise that has helped me prepare for University. I am interested in studying Mechanical Engineering with a focus in the automobile industry. Air pollution from gas powered cars is a huge problem, especially in bigger cities. I want to be part of a research and design team for the automotive industry where I can use my mechanical engineering degree to help the greater good. The amount of greenhouse emission is reaching high levels, making it difficult to live in. I want to lead design and research teams that are going to solve these kinds of issues. Leadership, without doubt, is a significantly important function of management. I am passionate about leadership because it takes confidence, determination, and courage. Being a leader gives you the ability to influence a group towards the realization of a goal. I want to be a leader that makes positive impacts in this world. I currently have lots of leadership skills and will continue growing these skills in my college career.
    Mental Health Matters Scholarship
    As a Mexican student that lives in East Los Angeles, I strive to be the best student, community member, family member, and more. During the pandemic many of my fellow neighbors lacked bandwidth, laptops, private meeting spaces, supplies, and many things that would enable and close learning gaps to help them succeed during these challenging times. I also noticed that people who attended college and had a degree, did not lack these resources; this is who I strive to be. I want to attend University to work on my academic and professional growth, become someone who makes positive changes, and come back to East Los Angeles to inspire others. I deserve this scholarship because I work hard, but need financial help to pursue my academic goals. I attended Para Los Niño’s Charter Elementary School as a kindergartner and first-grader. This school is in the midst of an extremely dangerous community named Skid-Row. I always knew that I wanted to come back and volunteer in any way I could. The students at this school come from low-socioeconomic backgrounds with families that do their best to provide for their children. I have volunteered through zoom, with a 4th-grade class at Para Los Niños. This was an opportunity for me to give back to a community that was the foundation of my educational journey. Many people might see everything that I have been through as a challenge, but I see it as a blessing in disguise that has helped me prepare for University.
    Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care
    I want to attend University to work on my academic and professional growth, become someone who makes positive changes, and come back to East Los Angeles to inspire others. I deserve this scholarship because I work hard, but need financial help to pursue my academic goals. I attended Para Los Niño’s Charter Elementary School as a kindergartner and first-grader. This school is in the midst of an extremely dangerous community named Skid-Row. I always knew that I wanted to come back and volunteer in any way I could. The students at this school come from low-socioeconomic backgrounds with families that do their best to provide for their children. I have volunteered through zoom, with a 4th-grade class at Para Los Niños. This was an opportunity for me to give back to a community that was the foundation of my educational journey. Many people might see everything that I have been through as a challenge, but I see it as a blessing in disguise that has helped me prepare for University. I am interested in studying Mechanical Engineering with a focus in the automobile industry. Air pollution from gas powered cars is a huge problem, especially in bigger cities. I want to be part of a research and design team for the automotive industry where I can use my mechanical engineering degree to help the greater good. The amount of greenhouse emission is reaching high levels, making it difficult to live in. I want to lead design and research teams that are going to solve these kinds of issues.
    Michael Rudometkin Memorial Scholarship
    As a Mexican student that lives in East Los Angeles, I strive to be the best student, community member, family member, and more. During the pandemic, I was well aware of the social-economic differences for attaining an appropriate education. Many of my fellow neighbors lacked bandwidth, laptops, private meeting spaces, supplies, and many things that would enable and close learning gaps to help them succeed during these challenging times. I also noticed that people who attended college and had a degree, did not lack these resources; this is who I strive to be. I want to attend University to continue working on my academic and professional growth, become someone who makes positive changes, and come back to East Los Angeles to inspire others. I deserve this scholarship because I work hard, but need financial help to pursue my academic goals. I attended Para Los Niño’s Charter Elementary School as a kindergartner and first-grader. This school is located in the midst of an extremely dangerous community named Skid-Row. I always knew that I wanted to come back and volunteer in any way I could to help provide quality education to the students that need it the most. The students at this school come from low-socioeconomic backgrounds with families that do their best to provide for their children. During the pandemic, I had completed a few courses at my local community college. This allowed me to have a free first period. I used this time to log into distance learning through zoom, with a 4th-grade classroom at Para Los Niño’s and volunteered my time to help in any way I could. I was put into break-out rooms to help with math, reading, and more. This was an opportunity for me to give back to a community that was the foundation of my educational journey. Many people might see everything that I have been through as a challenge, but I see it as a blessing in disguise that has helped me prepare for University.
    Olympians Academy Leadership Wings Scholarship
    I want to attend University to work on my academic and professional growth, become someone who makes positive changes, and come back to East Los Angeles to inspire others. I deserve this scholarship because I work hard, but need financial help to pursue my academic goals. I attended Para Los Niño’s Charter Elementary School as a kindergartner and first-grader. This school is in the midst of an extremely dangerous community named Skid-Row. I always knew that I wanted to come back and volunteer in any way I could. The students at this school come from low-socioeconomic backgrounds with families that do their best to provide for their children. I have volunteered through zoom, with a 4th-grade class at Para Los Niños. This was an opportunity for me to give back to a community that was the foundation of my educational journey. Many people might see everything that I have been through as a challenge, but I see it as a blessing in disguise that has helped me prepare for University. I am interested in studying Mechanical Engineering with a focus in the automobile industry. Air pollution from gas powered cars is a huge problem, especially in bigger cities. I want to be part of a research and design team for the automotive industry where I can use my mechanical engineering degree to help the greater good. The amount of greenhouse emission is reaching high levels, making it difficult to live in. I want to lead design and research teams that are going to solve these kinds of issues. Leadership, without doubt, is a significantly important function of management. I am passionate about leadership because it takes confidence, determination, and courage. Being a leader gives you the ability to influence a group towards the realization of a goal. I want to be a leader that makes positive impacts in this world.
    Minority/Women in STEM Scholarship
    During my freshman year of high school I started to experience a myriad of family problems. The problems escalated to the point of me moving to live with my grandparents. The challenges I was going through during this time affected my grades. I worked hard to keep up as best as I could, but stumbled while I got my life back on track. Moving in with my grandparents meant that I now live in East Los Angeles, and commute to Hacienda Heights California, a 19 mile commute. My grandparents who have been extremely supportive, couldn't afford to get me to and from school every day. I started to work on the weekends, to pay for my gas. At first it was a juggle trying to balance high school, water polo, swimming and work, but I did it! I started to get better grades and I challenged myself with enrolling at East Los Angeles College and took a winter course. I enjoyed being part of the college community and decided I wanted to take more courses. During my second semester of sophomore year, we were all hit with the global coronavirus pandemic. Instead of viewing this time as a negative time, I took advantage and began to take more college level courses. The last two years of high school were a time I felt that I matured the most in my academic growth. I was dual enrolled in community college to further my formal education. My grades are better reflected in my college courses, than my high school. I continue to take courses at East Los Angeles College. Another achievement that I am extremely proud of is being in the "Part-Time Dean's Honor List," since Fall of 2020. I have also learned a life lesson; opportunities can be found when adversity dominates. I am interested in studying Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. Air pollution from gas powered cars is a huge problem, especially in bigger cities. I want to be part of a research and design team for the automotive industry where I can use my mechanical engineering degree to help the greater good. The amount of greenhouse emission is reaching high levels, making it difficult to live in. I want to be part of teams that are going to solve these kinds of issues.
    Eleven Scholarship
    During my freshman year of high school I started to experience a myriad of family problems. The problems escalated to the point of me moving to live with my grandparents. The challenges I was going through during this time affected my grades. I worked hard to keep up as best as I could, but stumbled while I got my life back on track. Moving in with my grandparents meant that I now live in East Los Angeles, and commute to Hacienda Heights California, a 19 mile commute. My grandparents who have been extremely supportive, couldn't afford to get me to and from school every day. I started to work on the weekends, to pay for my gas. At first it was a juggle trying to balance high school, water polo, swimming and work, but I did it! I started to get better grades and I challenged myself with enrolling at East Los Angeles College and took a winter course. I enjoyed being part of the college community and decided I wanted to take more courses. During my second semester of sophomore year, we were all hit with the global coronavirus pandemic. Instead of viewing this time as a negative time, I took advantage and began to take more college level courses. The last two years of high school were a time I felt that I matured the most in my academic growth. I was dual enrolled in community college to further my formal education. My grades are better reflected in my college courses, than my high school. I continue to take courses at East Los Angeles College. Another achievement that I am extremely proud of is being in the "Part-Time Dean's Honor List," since Fall of 2020. . I have also learned a life lesson; opportunities can be found when adversity dominates.
    Bold Persistence Scholarship
    During my freshman year of high school I started to experience a myriad of family problems. The problems escalated to the point of me moving to live with my grandparents. The challenges I was going through during this time affected my grades. I worked hard to keep up as best as I could, but stumbled while I got my life back on track. Moving in with my grandparents meant that I now live in East Los Angeles, and commute to Hacienda Heights California, a 19 mile commute. My grandparents who have been extremely supportive, couldn't afford to get me to and from school every day. I started to work on the weekends, to pay for my gas. At first it was a juggle trying to balance high school, water polo, swimming and work, but I did it! I started to get better grades and I challenged myself with enrolling at East Los Angeles College and took a winter course. I enjoyed being part of the college community and decided I wanted to take more courses. During my second semester of sophomore year, we were all hit with the global coronavirus pandemic. Instead of viewing this time as a negative time, I took advantage and began to take more college level courses. The last two years of high school were a time I felt that I matured the most in my academic growth. I was dual enrolled in community college to further my formal education. My grades are better reflected in my college courses, than my high school. I continue to take courses at East Los Angeles College. Another achievement that I am extremely proud of is being in the "Part-Time Dean's Honor List." I have also learned a life lesson; opportunities can be found when adversity dominates.
    Bold Fuel Your Life Scholarship
    Many people might see everything that I have been through as a challenge, but I see it as a blessing in disguise that has helped me prepare for University and life in general. I have been through so many obstacles in my life, from not living with my parents to figuring out how to pay for gas to get to a school that provides a great education for me. An aspect of my life that has helped fuel my goals and aspirations is water polo and swim. I have been fortunate to be part of both varsity teams for the past four years. I have been part of the junior Olympics and have currently made it to CIF for swim. Sports are a great way to clear the mind and get into a positive mindset to do well in school and life. Through these sports, I have met a great group of friends who have become my family. Volunteering is definitely another hobby or something that I just enjoy doing. It fulfills me as a person and as a community member. I attended Para Los Niño’s Charter Elementary School as a kindergartner and first-grader. This school is located in the midst of an extremely dangerous community named Skid-Row. I always knew that I wanted to come back and volunteer in any way I could to help provide quality education to the students that need it the most. I had the opportunity to log into distance learning through zoom, with a 4th-grade classroom at Para Los Niño’s and volunteered my time to help in any way I could. I was put into break-out rooms to help with math, reading, and more. This was an opportunity for me to give back to a community that was the foundation of my educational journey.
    Bold Mentor Scholarship
    I hope to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. With my degree, my dream is to work for the automotive industry, research and design. My plan is to have a position within the company, where I can open internships and mentorships to students that come from similar neighborhoods as I did. I want students to know that they too can pursue professional careers, regardless of their background or where they come from. I want to provide mentorships to help students apply for college and scholarships to help ease the costs of college, which often halt many students from moving forward with their dreams.
    JoLynn Blanton Memorial Scholarship
    As a Mexican student that lives in East Los Angeles, I strive to be the best student, community member, family member, and more. During the pandemic, I was well aware of the social-economic differences for attaining an appropriate education. Many of my fellow neighbors lacked bandwidth, laptops, private meeting spaces, supplies, and many things that would enable and close learning gaps to help them succeed during these challenging times. I also noticed that people who attended college and had a degree, did not lack these resources; this is who I strive to be. I want to attend University to continue working on my academic and professional growth, become someone who makes positive changes, and come back to East Los Angeles to inspire others. I attended Para Los Ninos Charter Elementary School as a kindergartner and first-grader. This school is located in the midst of an extremely dangerous community named Skid-Row. I always knew that I wanted to come back and volunteer in any way I could to help provide quality education to the students that need it the most. The students at this school come from low-socioeconomic backgrounds with families that do their best to provide for their children. During the pandemic, I had completed a few courses at my local community college. This allowed me to have a free first period. I used this time to log into distance learning through zoom, with a 4th-grade classroom at Para Los Ninos and volunteered my time to help in any way I could. I was put into break-out rooms to help with math, reading, and more. This was an opportunity for me to give back to a community that was the foundation of my educational journey. Many people might see everything that I have been through as a challenge, but I see it as a blessing in disguise that has helped me prepare for University.
    Youssef University’s College Life Scholarship
    $1,000 is enough money to get me through this semester of college courses that I am currently taking. This amount of money would help me pay back some money I borrowed to purchase the books I needed for this semester. It would also help me pay for gas that is needed to get to and from school, especially with gas prices soaring. With the money that is left over, I would save it up for summer courses that I plan to continue taking at my local community college. I plan to take two courses and this would help me pay for the books needed for those classes.
    BJB Scholarship
    As a Mexican student that lives in East Los Angeles, I strive to be the best student, community member, family member, and more. During the pandemic, I was well aware of the social-economic differences for attaining an appropriate education. Many of my fellow neighbors lacked bandwidth, laptops, private meeting spaces, supplies, and many things that would enable and close learning gaps to help them succeed during these challenging times. I also noticed that people who attended college and had a degree, did not lack these resources; this is who I strive to be. I want to attend University to continue working on my academic and professional growth, become someone who makes positive changes, and come back to East Los Angeles to inspire others. I attended Para Los Ninos Charter Elementary School as a kindergartner and first-grader. This school is located in the midst of an extremely dangerous community named Skid-Row. I always knew that I wanted to come back and volunteer in any way I could to help provide quality education to the students that need it the most. The students at this school come from low-socioeconomic backgrounds with families that do their best to provide for their children. During the pandemic, I had completed a few courses at my local community college. This allowed me to have a free first period. I used this time to log into distance learning through zoom, with a 4th-grade classroom at Para Los Ninos and volunteered my time to help in any way I could. I was put into break-out rooms to help with math, reading, and more. This was an opportunity for me to give back to a community that was the foundation of my educational journey. Many people might see everything that I have been through as a challenge, but I see it as a blessing in disguise that has helped me prepare for University.
    Ron Johnston Student Athlete Scholarship
    During my freshman year of high school I started to experience a myriad of family problems. The problems escalated to the point of me moving to live with my grandparents. The challenges I was going through during this time affected my grades. I worked hard to keep up as best as I could, but stumbled while I got my life back on track. Moving in with my grandparents meant that I now live in East Los Angeles, and commute to Hacienda Heights California, a 19 mile commute. I am greatly inspired by my grandparents. They have been extremely supportive and didn't think twice about helping me during a time that I needed them the most. My grandfather was also an athlete who has been my biggest supporter. He tries to attend as many games possible and even though he has never played water polo or swim, he gives me great advice on how I can better my techniques. My grandparents can't afford to give me everything I need to play water polo and also be part of the club teams, therefore I started to work on the weekends, to pay for my gas and anything else I may need to continue my sports. At first it was a juggle trying to balance high school, water polo, swimming and work, but I did it! I started to get better grades and I challenged myself with enrolling at East Los Angeles College and took a winter course. I enjoyed being part of the college community and decided I wanted to take more courses. During my second semester of sophomore year, we were all hit with the global coronavirus pandemic. Instead of viewing this time as a negative time, I took advantage and began to take more college level courses. The last two years of high school were a time I felt that I matured the most in my academic growth. I was dual enrolled in community college to further my formal education. My grades are better reflected in my college courses, than my high school. I continue to take courses at East Los Angeles College including English 101 and Oceano 001 and will take courses for winter and spring of the academic year 2021/2022. Another achievement that I am extremely proud of is being in the "Part-Time Dean's Honor List," since Fall of 2020.
    Bold Acts of Service Scholarship
    I attended Para Los Ninos Charter Elementary School as a kindergartner and first-grader. This school is located in the midst of an extremely dangerous community named Skid-Row. I always knew that I wanted to come back and volunteer in any way I could to help provide quality education to the students that need it the most. The students at this school come from low-socioeconomic backgrounds with families that do their best to provide for their children. During the pandemic, I had completed a few courses at my local community college. This allowed me to have a free first period. I used this time to log into distance learning through zoom, with a 4th-grade classroom at Para Los Ninos and volunteered my time to help in any way I could. I was put into break-out rooms to help with math, reading, and more. This was an opportunity for me to give back to a community that was the foundation of my educational journey. Many people might see everything that I have been through as a challenge, but I see it as a blessing in disguise that has helped me prepare for University.
    Nina L. Coleman Memorial Scholarship
    During my freshman year of high school I started to experience a myriad of family problems. The problems escalated to the point of me moving to live with my grandparents. The challenges I was going through during this time affected my grades. I worked hard to keep up as best as I could, but stumbled while I got my life back on track. Moving in with my grandparents meant that I now live in East Los Angeles, and commute to Hacienda Heights California, a 19 mile commute. My grandparents who have been extremely supportive, couldn't afford to get me to and from school every day. I started to work on the weekends, to pay for my gas. At first it was a juggle trying to balance high school, water polo, swimming and work, but I did it! I started to get better grades and I challenged myself with enrolling at East Los Angeles College and took a winter course. I enjoyed being part of the college community and decided I wanted to take more courses. During my second semester of sophomore year, we were all hit with the global coronavirus pandemic. Instead of viewing this time as a negative time, I took advantage and began to take more college level courses. The last two years of high school were a time I felt that I matured the most in my academic growth. I was dual enrolled in community college to further my formal education. My grades are better reflected in my college courses, than my high school. Another achievement that I am extremely proud of is being in the "Part-Time Dean's Honor List," since Fall of 2020. As a Mexican student that lives in East Los Angeles, I strive to be the best student, community member, family member, and more. During the pandemic, I was well aware of the social-economic differences for attaining an appropriate education. Many of my fellow neighbors lacked bandwidth, laptops, private meeting spaces, supplies, and many things that would enable and close learning gaps to help them succeed during these challenging times. I also noticed that people who attended college and had a degree, did not lack these resources; this is who I strive to be. I want to attend University to continue working on my academic and professional growth, become someone who makes positive changes, and come back to East Los Angeles to inspire others. I attended Para Los Ninos Charter Elementary School as a kindergartner and first-grader. This school is located in the midst of an extremely dangerous community named Skid-Row. I always knew that I wanted to come back and volunteer in any way I could to help provide quality education to the students that need it the most. The students at this school come from low-socioeconomic backgrounds with families that do their best to provide for their children. During the pandemic, I had completed a few courses at my local community college. This allowed me to have a free first period. I used this time to log into distance learning through zoom, with a 4th-grade classroom at Para Los Ninos and volunteered my time to help in any way I could. I was put into break-out rooms to help with math, reading, and more. This was an opportunity for me to give back to a community that was the foundation of my educational journey. Many people might see everything that I have been through as a challenge, but I see it as a blessing in disguise that has helped me prepare for University.
    WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship
    Winner
    During my freshman year of high school I started to experience a myriad of family problems. The problems escalated to the point of me moving to live with my grandparents. The challenges I was going through during this time affected my grades. I worked hard to keep up as best as I could, but stumbled while I got my life back on track. Moving in with my grandparents meant that I now live in East Los Angeles, and commute to Hacienda Heights California, a 19 mile commute. My grandparents who have been extremely supportive, couldn't afford to get me to and from school every day. I started to work on the weekends, to pay for my gas. At first it was a juggle trying to balance high school, water polo, swimming and work, but I did it! I started to get better grades and I challenged myself with enrolling at East Los Angeles College and took a winter course. I enjoyed being part of the college community and decided I wanted to take more courses. During my second semester of sophomore year, we were all hit with the global coronavirus pandemic. Instead of viewing this time as a negative time, I took advantage and began to take more college level courses. The last two years of high school were a time I felt that I matured the most in my academic growth. I was dual enrolled in community college to further my formal education. My grades are better reflected in my college courses, than my high school. I continue to take courses at East Los Angeles College including English 101 and Oceano 001 and have currently completed spring courses for the academic year 2021/2022. Another achievement that I am extremely proud of is being in the "Part-Time Dean's Honor List," since Fall of 2020. As a Mexican student that lives in East Los Angeles, I strive to be the best student, community member, family member, and more. During the pandemic, I was well aware of the social-economic differences for attaining an appropriate education. Many of my fellow neighbors lacked bandwidth, laptops, private meeting spaces, supplies, and many things that would enable and close learning gaps to help them succeed during these challenging times. I also noticed that people who attended college and had a degree, did not lack these resources; this is who I strive to be. I want to attend University to continue working on my academic and professional growth, become someone who makes positive changes, and come back to East Los Angeles to inspire others. I attended Para Los Ninos Charter Elementary School as a kindergartner and first-grader. This school is located in the midst of an extremely dangerous community named Skid-Row. I always knew that I wanted to come back and volunteer in any way I could to help provide quality education to the students that need it the most. The students at this school come from low-socioeconomic backgrounds with families that do their best to provide for their children. During the pandemic, I had completed a few courses at my local community college. This allowed me to have a free first period. I used this time to log into distance learning through zoom, with a 4th-grade classroom at Para Los Ninos and volunteered my time to help in any way I could. I was put into break-out rooms to help with math, reading, and more. This was an opportunity for me to give back to a community that was the foundation of my educational journey. Many people might see everything that I have been through as a challenge, but I see it as a blessing in disguise that has helped me prepare for University.
    Robert Lee, Sr. and Bernice Williams Memorial Scholarship
    As a Mexican student that lives in East Los Angeles, I strive to be the best student, community member, family member, and more. During the pandemic, I was well aware of the social-economic differences for attaining an appropriate education. Many of my fellow neighbors lacked bandwidth, laptops, private meeting spaces, supplies, and many things that would enable and close learning gaps to help them succeed during these challenging times. I also noticed that people who attended college and had a degree, did not lack these resources; this is who I strive to be. I want to attend University to continue working on my academic and professional growth, become someone who makes positive changes, and come back to East Los Angeles to inspire others. I attended Para Los Ninos Charter Elementary School as a kindergartner and first-grader. This school is located in the midst of an extremely dangerous community named Skid-Row. I always knew that I wanted to come back and volunteer in any way I could to help provide quality education to the students that need it the most. The students at this school come from low-socioeconomic backgrounds with families that do their best to provide for their children. During the pandemic, I had completed a few courses at my local community college. This allowed me to have a free first period. I used this time to log into distance learning through zoom, with a 4th-grade classroom at Para Los Ninos and volunteered my time to help in any way I could. I was put into break-out rooms to help with math, reading, and more. This was an opportunity for me to give back to a community that was the foundation of my educational journey. Many people might see everything that I have been through as a challenge, but I see it as a blessing in disguise that has helped me prepare for University.
    Bold Future of Education Scholarship
    As a Mexican student that lives in East Los Angeles, I strive to be the best student, community member, family member, and more. During the pandemic, I was well aware of the social-economic differences for attaining an appropriate education. Many of my fellow neighbors lacked bandwidth, laptops, private meeting spaces, supplies, and many things that would enable and close learning gaps to help them succeed during these challenging times. I would like to see access to quality education for all. It shouldn't matter what city you live in, or what your socio-economic status shall be, everyone deserves a quality education. Quality education includes, hands on learning experiences, access to technology, access to quality counselors and educators, access and knowledge to being able to navigate systems and more. I would like to see this change nation wide. I want people to see challenges as blessing in disguise.
    Bold Community Activist Scholarship
    As a Mexican student that lives in East Los Angeles, I strive to be the best student, community member, family member, and more. During the pandemic, I was well aware of the social-economic differences for attaining an appropriate education. Many of my fellow neighbors lacked bandwidth, laptops, private meeting spaces, supplies, and many things that would enable and close learning gaps to help them succeed during these challenging times. I also noticed that people who attended college and had a degree, did not lack these resources; this is who I strive to be. I want to make positive changes, and come back to East Los Angeles to inspire others. I attended Para Los Ninos Charter Elementary School as a kindergartner and first-grader. This school is located in the midst of an extremely dangerous community named Skid-Row. I always knew that I wanted to come back and volunteer in any way I could to help provide quality education to the students that need it the most. The students at this school come from low-socioeconomic backgrounds with families that do their best to provide for their children. During the pandemic, I had completed a few courses at my local community college. This allowed me to have a free first period. I used this time to log into distance learning through zoom, with a 4th-grade classroom at Para Los Ninos and volunteered my time to help in any way I could. I was put into break-out rooms to help with math, reading, and more. This was an opportunity for me to give back to a community that was the foundation of my educational journey. Many people might see everything that I have been through as a challenge, but I see it as a blessing in disguise that has helped me prepare for University.
    Bold Turnaround Story Scholarship
    As a Mexican student that lives in East Los Angeles, I strive to be the best student, community member, family member, and more. During the pandemic, I was well aware of the social-economic differences for attaining an appropriate education. Many of my fellow neighbors lacked bandwidth, laptops, private meeting spaces, supplies, and many things that would enable and close learning gaps to help them succeed during these challenging times. I also noticed that people who attended college and had a degree, did not lack these resources; this is who I strive to be. I want to make positive changes, and come back to East Los Angeles to inspire others. I attended Para Los Ninos Charter Elementary School as a kindergartner and first-grader. This school is located in the midst of an extremely dangerous community named Skid-Row. I always knew that I wanted to come back and volunteer in any way I could to help provide quality education to the students that need it the most. The students at this school come from low-socioeconomic backgrounds with families that do their best to provide for their children. During the pandemic, I had completed a few courses at my local community college. This allowed me to have a free first period. I used this time to log into distance learning through zoom, with a 4th-grade classroom at Para Los Ninos and volunteered my time to help in any way I could. I was put into break-out rooms to help with math, reading, and more. This was an opportunity for me to give back to a community that was the foundation of my educational journey. Many people might see everything that I have been through as a challenge, but I see it as a blessing in disguise that has helped me prepare for University.
    Bold Perseverance Scholarship
    As a Mexican student that lives in East Los Angeles, I strive to be the best student, community member, family member, and more. During the pandemic, I was well aware of the social-economic differences for attaining an appropriate education. Many of my fellow neighbors lacked bandwidth, laptops, private meeting spaces, supplies, and many things that would enable and close learning gaps to help them succeed during these challenging times. I also noticed that people who attended college and had a degree, did not lack these resources; this is who I strive to be. I want to make positive changes, and come back to East Los Angeles to inspire others. I attended Para Los Ninos Charter Elementary School as a kindergartner and first-grader. This school is located in the midst of an extremely dangerous community named Skid-Row. I always knew that I wanted to come back and volunteer in any way I could to help provide quality education to the students that need it the most. The students at this school come from low-socioeconomic backgrounds with families that do their best to provide for their children. During the pandemic, I had completed a few courses at my local community college. This allowed me to have a free first period. I used this time to log into distance learning through zoom, with a 4th-grade classroom at Para Los Ninos and volunteered my time to help in any way I could. I was put into break-out rooms to help with math, reading, and more. This was an opportunity for me to give back to a community that was the foundation of my educational journey. Many people might see everything that I have been through as a challenge, but I see it as a blessing in disguise that has helped me prepare for University.